Linden Lab Responds to Coronavirus Crisis: Cuts Prices For Nonprofit And Eductional Sims

In real life news, the number one story is the global Coronavirus epidemic. A few months ago, it was limited to China. But in a matter of weeks it has spread around the world. The result has been no shortage of panic and confusion. Travel bans are being set up, and major events are being postponed or canceled. "Social distancing," or avoiding large groups of people, is the best way to avoid catching and spreading the virus. But this means that schools are being closed, as well as charity events. So people are asking how do you educate people and raise money for charity if you can't meet up?

It's a question that those familiar with Second Life have long answered: take it online. And on Friday March 13, Linden Lab announced that it would "Expand Support and Reduce Prices for Education and Nonprofits."

We’ve been getting a lot of questions lately about how Second Life can help organizations, events, and conferences continue to safely and efficiently operate during the coronavirus outbreak.  

Many individuals and organizations are being affected by this unprecedented public health crisis, and we recognize that Second Life can provide an important and valuable way for people to stay in touch with their friends and co-workers amidst new social distancing protocols, mandated remote work requirements, and other precautionary measures.

The Lab has cut the tier for sims that qualify for education and nonprofit discounts down to "a flat $99/month." This "limited-time" offer is effective immediately as of last Friday.

The Lab is also letting businesses, colleges and universities, and charities know that, "We’re also here to assist you if your organization is exploring options in Second Life for new remote solutions for conferences, events or classes. Our support team is standing by to answer questions about how to get quickly started with a new private or public meeting or event space in Second Life. "

The Lab has set up a new webpage, or "micro-site" as it calls the page, "Remote Work and Event Solutions."

Second Life is the Internet's leading user-created virtual world that's been enjoyed by millions of people and organizations across the globe. For the past 17 years, major companies and education institutions have used Second Life for remote meetings, conferences and collaborations.

There would be a link to a page of videos of "case studies," such as Draxtor Despress' video of Istanbul University.

To view the blogpost in full, Click Here.

Sources: BBC News, USA Today  

Bixyl Shuftan

Eye on the Blog: Premium Membership Cut to $9.50 Per Month, VAT Charges to End

Since September 2007, Linden Lab has charged a VAT or Value Added Tax from residents outside the United States from those countries whose tax system includes it. This has particularly been an annoyance to European residents, some of whom have complained it puts them at a business disadvantage with Americans. But in a move that will mean relief to these users of Second Life, Linden Lab announced in their latest blog entry that they will no longer be charging VAT.

Premium members will also have reason to cheer. Linden Lab has reduced the monthly fee for premium accounts to $9.50 US dollars a month.

... we’re reducing the standard cost of a monthly Premium subscription to just $9.50 a month. Enjoy all the benefits of Premium Membership for less!
 
We will also no longer charge VAT for Premium subscriptions. If you live in a region where VAT applies, this means an effective savings in some countries of more than 20% below what you would have previously paid!

Several residents have expressed opinions in threads in the official forums and SL Universe. Not everyone was pleased with the decision to end the VAT. Some Americans complained the Lab was effectively giving Europeans a discount.

For the complete blog post: Click Here.